Page 52 of Sugar

But we weren’t family friends. We barely even knew each other. He wasn’t even using my connection to the Moores to network like I’d initially thought.

So, why had he agreed to let me interview him when he’d turned others down?

Joel kept talking for a couple minutes, though I couldn’t seem to absorb a single word he said. When we parted ways, I pulled my phone out and hovered a finger over Easton’s number.

What’s my plan exactly? Bother him during a workday to ask why he did me a favor? And then what?

My gaze moved to the time, and I put my phone away.

I had somewhere to be.

Maybe…

Easton

Christ, is itonly Friday?

It’d been a long, shitty week, and the weekend wouldn’t be much better. I thought that even before I opened the calendar on my computer to see Saturday evening boxed off for an event.

Shit, I forgot about that. Maybe I can send June in my place.

But I knew she wouldn’t go for it.

I pushed my chair away from my desk and dragged a palm down my face. Getting the order of protection for Atlas’ rescue had taken longer since there was a minor child involved, no criminal charges, and the ex was the worst kind of prick—one with resources. It was worth the effort, but it’d still set me behind.

Losing an entire night wouldn’t help.

Mentally reviewing dinner delivery options, I was about to take a walk through the office to see who was still around to feed when my cell vibrated twice on my desk.

Cohen: Thought you’d like to know…

Cohen: Picture

I loaded the picture before exiting out.

The Gilded auction was one of the more popular events they offered. And according to the brothers, it grew every year.

Cohen always said it with pride.

Atlas sounded more resigned about the fact.

I wasn’t sure why he’d sent the picture of the opened event booklet. I’d never attended the auction. When I had time and desire for a submissive in my life, the idea of buying one—even for the minimal and mostly symbolic amount—did nothing for me.

I preferred obedience freely offered.

Like by a pretty girl with big blue eyes who unconsciously submitted.

Since ignoring the message from my friend-slash-client would be a dick thing to do, I distractedly responded.

Me: Good luck tonight.

I was loading a Thai menu when his response came.

Cohen: You ass. You didn’t even look.

Me: Yes, I did. Seems like a lot of interest this year.

Cohen: Don’t say I didn’t try to warn you…